January 1, 2021
Happy New Year, everyone. I’m sorry to have to make this short tonight. Although the calendar has a new look, the virus has not noticed. Alabama had 4,521 more cases (incl. 636 probables) and 45 more deaths. There were more reported tests - 11,216 - but the one-day positivity rate (40.3%) and the 7-day moving average (40-45% depending on the tracker) remain higher than all but one or two other states. As of 8:00 pm central time, ADPH had not disclosed new hospitalization data for today. There also was no update on vaccinations, perhaps due to the holiday.
Because this virus is not going away, neither will I. I want to express my profound gratitude to all of you who have been a source of strength for me and Louise throughout this pandemic. Although we have not had the privilege to meet many of you, we feel as though you are part of our extended family. We will persevere together until we get to the other side. I am confident that we have much to look forward to in 2021 as the world gradually returns to normal.
In the meantime, peace be always with you. See you tomorrow. Here are the 14-day totals:
12/19 - 4221
12/20 - 2548
12/21 - 2380
12/22 - 4979
12/23 - 4758
12/24 - 4232
12/25 - 3625
12/26 - 1032
12/27 - 2170
12/28 - 2269
12/29 - 3907
12/30 - 5106
12/31 - 4406
1/1 - 4521
Jefferson County reported 719 more cases, followed by Madison County with 393 cases, Mobile County with 293 and Tuscaloosa County with 277 cases. Walker County now has the State’s worst 14-day positivity rate (68.8%), followed by Marion County (65.2%) and Lawrence County (61.7%).